RITE OF ELECTION: THE CHALLENGES

On a little known but highly populated island the catholic church is steadily growing. It has a large laity and clergy collaboration. During the liturgical year, following the exuberance of Eastertime and in the quiet of Ordinary Time, the bishop and liturgy advisors, adult formation advisors and some key catechists gather to review the RCIA process and to plan ahead for the next year.

Following prayer they open their English edition of the rite and one of them reads RCIA # 4 and 5.

After a period of quiet reflection they look at the Second step of the RCIA process and listen to # 105 -115. Following a period of reflection they discuss the extent to which they had adapted the process, whether the adaptations are still necessary and whether further adaptations are needed. Before making any decisions, they look at the rite itself and the roles and assertions by the different participants. A further period of quiet reflection follows.

They all agree it is a wonderful rite.

Then as part of their review, they look at their own carefully adapted rites. They relook at the combined rite in Appendix 1 of the USA edition of the Rite of Christian Initiation for the Rite of Election of Catechumens and of the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates # 547ff. This calls them to return to the English edition of the RCIA. After reading Appendix 1 #418-421, they are directed to #387, where they read through the Rite of Reception of Baptized Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church, after which there is very lengthy silence.

The group agrees, though not unanimously, that they will reconsider the RCIA process throughout their diocese and particularly the implications and practicalities of separating catechumens from the already baptized seeking full communion with the catholic church.

I have a dream!

1 Comment

CAROLINE DOLLATD
on 1 March 2012 at 8:28 am

yes we need to go deeper. Let’s not forget part 2 chapter 4 for uncatechised baptised persons who receive the Call to Continuing Conversion, and for whom the Easter vigil is also the highpoint when they are confirmed and receive. Eucharist completing their initiation. Also that baptised candidates may well be part of a catechumenal group and contribute hugely. However any ritual moment respects their Baptism. For those who are unevangelised… They too need RCIA 75 and the gradual process. Yes, avoid at all costs confusing them with unbaptised catechumens especially at ritual moments. All who come bring us treasure. Much to celebrate, even if quietly, respectfully in the parish at a point mutually discerned in the liturgical year.
Can we have some voices from the Rite of Election this year? How was it for you?